Multicultural citizenship of the European Union

Book abstract:

As a result of globalisation and changing world economic conditions, European countries are experiencing increasing labour migrations and becoming more culturally diverse. At the same time, regionalism, nationalism, identity and group-based politics are all coming to the fore. These two tendencies increase interest in the debate surrounding membership and participation in the state. This book addresses three questions arising from this debate: Is citizenship still important in a postnational world? What are the theoretical and ideological frameworks of multiculturalism? What are the reality and prospects of multicultural citizenship of the European Union?

These questions are addressed through comparing EU citizenship with cultural citizenship and multicultural studies in the United States. In addition to this, through the study of EU documents, the author contends that there are policies of multicultural citizenship at the European Union level. The book analyses their key aspects, such as the pursuit of symbolic forms of multiculturalism and the arguments to support affirmative action policies for women. It also studies the steps taken by certain EU institutions towards creating European identity and towards improving awareness of citizenship and cultural heritage, while meeting the test of subsidiarity.

Chapter headings are: Between social theory and European integration; New practices of citizenship; Individuals, communities and knowledge in an era of identity politics; Identity and experience; Forms of multiculturalism; Symbolic multiculturalism and affirmative action; The creation of European identity; Citizenship and the role of cultural policy; and Subsidiarity and citizenship. Finally, the author lists his main findings and arguments in a descriptive conclusion, which also serves as a summary of the main theoretical themes and findings of the book.